Xi Jinping honors Korea-born Chinese general at funeral

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a funeral Tuesday for Zhao Nanqi, a military general who served in the 1950-53 Korean War. Image by CCTV

June 26 (UPI) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a funeral ceremony Tuesday for a Korea-born general who gained high office in China following the 1950-53 Korean War.

Xi reportedly expressed his condolences Monday to the family of Zhao Nanqi, former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or CPPCC, Xinhua reported.

The Chinese state media report did not mention Zhao was born in Japanese-occupied Korea and migrated with his Korean family to northeast China before the end of World War II.

Former Chinese leader Hu Jintao was also in attendance, according to the report.

At the funeral ceremony, the officials stood in silent tribute, bowed three times and extended condolences, according to the report.

Zhao, whose Korean name is Cho Nam Gi, moved to China's northeastern Jilin province as a child. He served as an officer in the People's Volunteer Army during the 1950-53 Korean War, and later served as vice governor of Jilin Province.